Apparatus and methods for gripping an elongated item

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, apparatus for releasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used in pulling the elongated item(s) through at least one space includes a body and a plurality of gripping members associated with the body. The gripping members are moveable relative to the body and capable of engaging at least one elongated item.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gripping elongated items. Insome embodiments, the present invention involves apparatus and methodsfor releasably gripping an elongated item to allow the item to be pulledthrough a space or path.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many circumstances in which it is necessary or desirable toreleasably grip one or more items having an elongated portion so that itmay be moved from one location to another, or spread across a desiredarea. For example, in the electrical and telecommunication industries,wires or cables, such as fiber optic cables and copper power andtelecommunication wires, are often pulled through one or more conduits.The conduit may have any desired length and location, such asunderground, through buildings, overhead and even inside vehicles andmachines. The wires or cables may be single strand or include multiplelines. A single telephone cable, for example, may include five hundredtwisted copper wires surrounded by insulation and plastic sheathing.

Depending upon the application, one or more enhancements to existingtechnology may improve the ability to move the items. For examples, theitem(s) being moved may be very heavy or the desired path may be verylong, requiring a significant pulling force that the gripping device andmethod must support. For yet other examples, centering the elongateditem in the gripping device, or gripping one or more inside surfaces ofthe elongated items may enhance or expand the ability to move items. Forstill a further example, it is sometimes preferable to pull multiplelines at the same time.

It should be understood that the above-described examples, featuresand/or disadvantages are provided for illustrative purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope or subject matter of the claims of thispatent or any patent claiming priority hereto. Thus, none of theappended claims or claims of any related patent should be limited by theabove discussion or construed to address, include or exclude the citedexamples, features and/or disadvantages, except and only to the extentas may be expressly stated in a particular claim.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have apparatus and methods forgripping at least one elongated item and having one or more of thefollowing features, capabilities or attributes: includes grippingmembers having multiple grippers; includes gripping members capable ofprojecting outwardly to engage at least one inside portion of at leastone elongated item; includes at least one biasing member associated withat least one gripping member; includes biasing members associated withgripping members to restrict movement of the associated gripping membersin one direction; includes biasing members associated with grippingmembers to facilitate engagement of the associated gripping members withan elongated item; includes multiple gripping members disposed upon acommon carrier; includes pairs of gripping members mounted upon commonpins, respectively; assists in centering the elongated item in theapparatus; assists in centering at least one elongated item in the boreof the apparatus to enhance gripping of the elongated item(s) bygripping members; prevents undesirable or damaging penetration of anelongated item by gripping members; includes at least one centeringdevice that assists in preventing non-engagement of the gripping memberswith at least one elongated item; includes at least one centering devicecapable of preventing gripping members from penetrating the elongateditem more than desired; includes gripping members that assist incentering the elongated item; prevents gripping members from being toofar tangential relative to an elongated item associated with theapparatus; prevents gripping member from skidding along the outside ofan elongated item associated with the apparatus; is capable of grippingdifferent diameter elongated items; is capable of gripping a greaterrange of outer diameter cables; is capable of gripping elongated itemswith different insulation thicknesses; is capable of gripping a non-endportion of an elongated item; includes at least one attachment devicefor facilitating pulling the apparatus and which does not obstruct thepassage of an elongated item entirely through the apparatus; is capableof connecting multiple axially aligned gripping devices that grip acommon elongated item; provides a flexible connector between multipleaxially aligned gripping devices that grip a common elongated item;allows multiple gripping devices to be axially connected to increasepulling capacity; allows multiple gripping devices to be axiallyconnected to enhance the gripping of the elongated item; allows multiplegripping devices to be axially connected to provide movement flexibilityof the elongated items; allows multiple gripping devices to be axiallyconnected to accommodate non-linear pulling paths, such as turns orcurves; allows pulling heavy elongated items; allows pulling elongateditems over a long path; allow pulling elongated items under significantdrag forces; allows gripping members to cut through one or moreinsulation layers of an elongated items and deform, without undesirablydamaging, the core of the elongated item; includes non-rotating grippingmembers; includes fixed position gripping members; includes a bodyformed of multiple pieces that may be disassembled; includes a clamshell-like, or split body, arrangement allowing ease of disengagementwith an elongated item; or a combination thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention involves an apparatus forreleasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item through at least one space. The apparatusincludes a body having a bore and a plurality of gripping membersassociated with the body. Each gripping member is movable relative tothe body and capable of projecting generally inwardly into the bore. Atleast one gripping member includes at least two grippers, each gripperbeing capable of at least one among gripping and guiding the elongateditem.

In various embodiments, the present invention involves an apparatus forreleasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item through at least one space. The apparatusincludes a body having a bore and a plurality of gripping memberspivotably mounted to the body. Each gripping member is capable ofprojecting generally inwardly into the bore and engaging at least oneelongated item. The gripping members are each disposed upon carriersmounted to the body. At least one pair of the gripping members isdisposed upon a common the carrier.

There are embodiments of the invention involving an apparatus forreleasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item through at least one space. The apparatusincludes a body having a bore and a plurality of gripping memberspivotably mounted to the body. Each gripping member is capable ofprojecting generally inwardly into the bore and engaging the elongateditem. At least one biasing member is associated with at least onegripping member and is capable of providing biasing force upon thegripping member to at least partially restrict its pivoting in onedirection.

In many embodiments, an apparatus for releasably gripping at least oneelongated item and being used in pulling the elongated item through atleast one space includes a body having a bore therethrough and aplurality of gripping members associated with the body. Each of thegripping members is capable of engaging at least one elongated itemdisposed in the bore. The apparatus includes a centering device isincluded that is capable of assisting in centering the elongated item inthe bore.

Some embodiments of the present invention involve an apparatus forreleasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item through at least one space. The apparatusincludes a body having a bore therethrough and is capable of beingpulled through the at least one space. The elongated item is insertableinto the bore. A plurality of gripping members is associated with thebody. Each gripping member is movable relative to the body and capableof projecting generally inwardly into the bore and engaging at least oneelongated item. At least one attachment device is engageable with thebody and useful to facilitate pulling the body. The at least oneattachment device allows clearance at the openings of the bore, wherebythe openings are unobstructed by the attachment device and the apparatusis capable of gripping a non-end portion of the elongated item.

There are embodiments of the present invention that involve an apparatusfor releasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item through at least one space. The apparatusincludes a body and a plurality of gripping members associated with thebody. Each gripping member is capable of projecting generally outwardlyfrom the body to engage the elongated item.

Many embodiments of the present invention involve an apparatus forreleasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item in at least one path. The apparatus includesat least two gripping devices, each gripping device having a body and aplurality of gripping members capable of engaging an elongated item. Atleast one connector is engageable between at least two axially alignedgripping devices. The connected gripping devices are capable of engagingthe same elongated item.

Some embodiments of the present invention involve a method of releasablygripping an elongated item with a gripping device. The gripping deviceincludes a body and a plurality of gripping members capable ofprojecting outwardly therefrom. Starting at the lower end of the body ofthe gripping device, an end of the elongated item is slid over the body.After the elongated item is in the desired position relative to thegripping device, the elongated item, relative to the body, is moved inthe direction of the upper end of the body and/or the body, relative tothe elongated item, is moved in the direction of the lower end of thebody, causing at least two of the gripping members to grip the elongateditem. The gripping device is pulled in a manner in which movement of theupper end of the body generally precedes movement of the lower end ofthe body.

There are embodiments of the present invention that involve a method ofreleasably gripping an elongated item with at least two grippingdevices. The gripping devices are connected together axially with atleast one connector so that the upper end of the first gripping deviceis located proximate to and generally aligned with the lower end of thesecond gripping device. An end of the elongated item is inserted into abore of the first gripping device at the lower end of the first grippingdevice. The end of the elongated item is passed through the bore of thefirst gripping device and into an aligned bore of the second grippingdevice at the lower end thereof. The elongated item is gripped withgrippers associated with at least one among the gripping devices.

In some embodiment, a method of releasably gripping an elongated itemwith at least two gripping devices includes connecting the grippingdevices together aligned axially with a connector. An end of theelongated item is inserted over the first gripping device at the lowerend of the first gripping device. The end of the elongated item ispassed over the first gripping device and at least partially over thesecond gripping device. The elongated item is gripped with grippersprojecting outwardly from the gripping devices.

Various embodiments of the present invention involve an apparatuscapable of releasably engaging at least one elongated item so that theat least one elongated item may be pulled through at least one space.The apparatus includes a body having first and second opposite ends anda bore extending through the body from the first end to the second end.The elongated item is insertable into the bore from the first end of thebody and removable from the bore through the second end of the body. Aplurality of gripping members is associated with the body and capable ofgripping and/or guiding the elongated item disposed within the bore. Thegripping members allow movement of the elongated item into the bore fromthe first end of the body, through the bore and out the bore at thesecond end of the body.

There are embodiments of the present invention that involve an apparatusfor releasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item through at least one space. At least firstand second body portions are releasably alignable to form a body. Thebody has a bore and is capable of being pulled through the space. Theelongated item is at least partially insertable into the bore. Aplurality of gripping members are associated with the body. At leastsome of the gripping member are capable of gripping the elongated itemdisposed within the bore.

In many embodiments, an apparatus for releasably gripping at least oneelongated item and being used in pulling the elongated item through atleast one space includes at least first and second body portions. Thebody portions are alignable together to form a bore extending at leastpartially therebetween. The elongated item is at least partiallyinsertable into the bore. The body portions are capable of being pulledthrough the space. A plurality of gripping members projects inwardlyinto the bore from one or more body portion. Each gripping member iscapable of gripping and/or guiding the elongated item disposed at leastpartially within the bore.

There are yet some embodiments of the present invention involving amethod of releasably gripping an elongated item with at least onegripping device. The gripping device and elongated item are capable ofbeing pulled through at least one path. At least first and second bodyportions are aligned together to form a body. At least one holder isengaged with the body portions. The elongated item is engaged with thegripping device. The gripping device and engaged elongated item arepulled through the path. The holder is disengaged from the body portionsand the body portions are disengaged from the elongated item.

Accordingly, the present invention includes features and advantageswhich are believed to enable it to advance elongated item grippingtechnology. Characteristics and advantages of the present inventiondescribed above and additional features and benefits will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of preferred embodiments and referring to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are part of the present specification, included todemonstrate certain aspects of presently preferred embodiments of theinvention and referenced in the detailed description herein.

FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view showing a gripping device havinggripping members with multiple grippers according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view showing a gripping device having anattachment device that allows the body to grip a non-end portion of anelongated item in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a gripping memberhaving multiple grippers;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a grippingmember having multiple grippers;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a grippingmember having multiple grippers;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of agripping member having multiple grippers;

FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of agripping device having gripping members with multiple grippers in afirst position;

FIG. 4B is shows the embodiment of FIG. 4A with its grippers in a secondposition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a pair ofassociated gripping devices disposed upon a common carrier in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a pair ofassociated gripping devices disposed upon a common carrier in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway view showing an embodiment of a grippingdevice having a biasing member associated with a gripping member;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of agripping device having a centering device;

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view showing another embodiment of agripping device having a centering device;

FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view showing two gripping device axiallyconnected with a connector in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial cutaway view showing two gripping device axiallyconnected with a connector in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of connector ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a partial cutaway view showing a gripping device havingoutwardly projecting gripping members in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a partial cutaway view showing a gripping device havingnon-rotatable gripping members in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of anon-rotatable gripping member;

FIG. 16 is a partial cutaway view showing the gripping member of FIG. 15press fit into the body of an embodiment of a gripping device;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;and

FIG. 18 is a disassembled side view of an embodiment of a grippingdevice having some gripping members that are movable relative to thebody of the gripping device and other non-movable gripping members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Characteristics and advantages of the present invention and additionalfeatures and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart upon consideration of the following detailed description ofpresently preferred embodiments of the claimed invention and referringto the accompanying figures. It should be understood that thedescription herein and appended drawings, being of preferredembodiments, are not intended to limit the appended claims or the claimsof any patent or patent application claiming priority to thisapplication. On the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the claims. Many changes may be made to the particularembodiments and details disclosed herein without departing from suchspirit and scope.

In showing and describing the preferred embodiments, like or identicalreference numerals are used to identify common or similar elements. Thefigures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certainviews of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematicin the interest of clarity and conciseness.

As used herein and throughout various portions (and headings) of thispatent, the terms “invention”, “present invention” and variationsthereof are not intended to mean the invention of every possibleembodiment of the invention or any particular claim or claims. Thus, thesubject matter of each such reference should not be considered asnecessary for, or part of, every embodiment of the invention or anyparticular claim(s) merely because of such reference. Also, it should benoted that reference herein and in the appended claims to components andaspects in a singular tense does not necessarily limit the presentinvention to only one such component or aspect, but should beinterpreted generally to mean one or more, as may be suitable anddesirable in each particular instance.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a gripping device 10capable of releasably gripping at least one elongated item (not shown)is shown. The illustrated gripping device 10 includes an attachmentdevice 14, a body 18 and multiple gripping members 22 mounted in thebody 18. The exemplary attachment device 14, which includes a wire rope13 and a removable cap 16 threadably engageable with the body 18, isuseful to facilitate pulling the gripping device 10, such as byconnection to a tugging device (not shown).

The illustrated body 18 includes a bore 20 extending from the first end18 a to the second end 18 b of the body 18. The gripping members 22 arecapable of projecting into the bore 20 and engaging the elongateditem(s). The exemplary gripping members 22 are disposed upon pins 15mounted within cut-outs, or slots, 17 formed in the body 18 and areindependently pivotable relative to the body 18 and each another.Further details of the construction and operation of the gripping device10 of FIG. 1 as well as other embodiments of gripping devices inaccordance with the present invention and other features are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,782 entitled “Cable Clamping Apparatus andMethod”, issued on Apr. 26, 2005 and having a common assignee with thepresent patent, particularly the description at Column 4, line 4 throughColumn 7, line 35 and the accompanying drawings, and in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/527,011, entitled “Cable Clamping Apparatus andMethod”, filed concurrently herewith, and having a common assignee withthe present patent, particularly the description at Pages 8-18 and theaccompanying drawings, all of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein. It should be understood, however, that the features describedabove and incorporated by reference above are not required for orlimiting upon the present invention, the appended claims or the claimsof any patents claiming priority hereto.

Referring still to FIG. 1, in accordance with one independent aspect ofthe present invention, the bore 20 of the gripping device 10 may haveany form and configuration capable of allowing at least part of theelongated item to be grippable by the gripping device 10. In theembodiment shown, the bore 20 is a passage extending through the body 18of the gripping device 10. For some other examples, depending upon theembodiment, the bore may take the form of a space, area, hole, openingor orifice. The bore 20 may also have any desired cross-sectional shape.In the example shown, the bore 20 has a round cross-sectional shape. Inother exemplary embodiments (not shown), the bore 20 may be formed witha cross-sectional shape that is square, rectangular, hexagonal, orinclude portions with differing or varying cross-sectional shapes.Furthermore, the bore 20 may be formed through or between multiplecomponents (not shown). The present invention is thus not limited by theshape, configuration or orientation of the bore 20.

In another aspect, the present invention does not require an attachmentdevice 14 with every embodiment. When included, the attachment device 14may take any suitable form. For example, the attachment device mayinclude one or more flexible mesh-like member (not shown), multipleflexible wire cables or other components. Thus, the present invention isnot limited by the inclusion or form of the attachment device 14.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present invention,the elongated item(s) 23 that may be gripped by the gripping device 10of the present invention may have any suitable form, configuration andconstruction. Examples of elongated items are cables, wires, tubularmembers, protrusions or extensions of other structures or items, oranything else that may be grippable by the gripping device 10. Theelongated item 23 may have a round, square, rectangular or othersuitable cross-sectional shape. The present invention is thus notlimited in any way by the shape, form, nature, construction or any otheraspect of the elongated item 23.

In the example of FIG. 1, the gripping device 10 is capable of grippingthe end of the elongated item (not shown). However, in accordance withanother independent aspect of the present invention, the gripping device10 is not limited to gripping an end of the elongated item. The body 18of the device 10 may be positioned on a non-end portion of the elongateditem(s). Any suitable components and techniques may be used for engagingthe gripping device 10 with a non-end portion of an elongated item. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 2, for example, the gripping device 10 includesan attachment device 14 having multiple connectors 19 extending from thebody 18 around, or outside, the elongated item(s) 23. The illustratedconnectors 19 are flexible wire cables 28 secured in anchor holes 25formed in the wall 21 of the body 18. The connectors 19 are useful forfacilitating pulling the gripping device 10 (and elongated item 23),such as by engagement with a tugging device (not shown). The illustratedgripping device 10 is thus useful for gripping a non-end part of theelongated item 23.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in accordance with another independent aspectof the present invention, the gripping members 22 of the illustratedembodiment include multiple grippers 26. The gripping members 22 andmultiple grippers 26 may have any desired form, configuration andorientation. Furthermore, any desired number of grippers 26 may beincluded on a gripping member 22. In FIGS. 3A-D, for example, thegripping members 22 are teeth 24 and the grippers 26 are sharpened tips,or edges, 27. The tooth 24 of FIG. 3A, by comparison to the teeth 24 ofFIGS. 3B-D, is smaller and has upper and lower tips 30, 32 positionedclose together. The lower tip 32 is nearly as long as the upper tip 30.The tooth 24 includes a lower angled face 34 that allows the lower tip32 to be angled only slightly downwardly relative to the upper tip 30.

By comparison to the tooth 24 of FIG. 3A, the tooth 24 of FIG. 3B islarger and has upper and lower tips 30, 32 spaced farther apart. Thelower tip 32 is significantly shorter than the upper tip 30 and thelower tip 32 is angled farther downwardly relative to the upper tip 30.In FIG. 3C, the tooth 24 is longer and the upper and lower tips 30, 32are spaced farther apart as compared to the tooth 24 of FIG. 3B. Thelower tip 32 is even shorter than the upper tip 30, and angled evenfurther downwardly relative to the upper tip 30. In FIG. 3D, the tooth24 is longer than the tooth of FIG. 3C. The tooth 24 includes an upperangled face 36, causing the upper tip 30 to be angled downwardlyrelative to the lower tip 32.

Multiple grippers 26 may be included on a gripping member 22 for anysuitable purpose. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, for example, upper andlower grippers 26 a and 26 b are both capable of “engaging” theillustrated elongated item 23, the lower gripper 26 b merely guiding theelongated item 23 in the bore 20 to assist in centering the elongateditem 23 in the bore 20, while the upper gripper 26 a provides thedesired penetration/gripping action. In this example, as shown in FIG.4B, the upper grippers 26 a of the illustrated gripping members 22 arecapable of penetrating entirely through the outer layer 38, such as aninsulation layer 40, of the elongated item 23 and penetrating partiallyinto the inner core 42. For another example, the lower gripper 26 b ofthe gripping member 22 may be useful to penetrate and grip largerdiameter elongated items (not shown) while the upper gripper 26 apenetrates and grips smaller diameter elongated items.

However, the gripping device 10 may be configured with any desired formand quantity of gripping members 22. For example, various embodiments ofthe present invention include gripping members 22 with only a singlegripper 26 (see e.g. FIGS. 2, 9-10). For another example, the grippingdevice 10 may include some gripping members 22 having multiple grippers26 and others having a single gripper 26. For yet another example, thedevice 10 may include gripping members 22 having more than two grippers26.

Referring now to FIG. 5, some embodiments of the present inventioninclude multiple associated gripping members 22. In the example shown,first and second gripping members 22 a and 22 b are disposed andindependently pivotable upon a common carrier 46, such as a pin 15. Theillustrated first gripping member 22 a is larger than and substantiallysurrounds the second gripping member 22 b. When the gripping members 22a, 22 b of this embodiment are disposed within a gripping device 10, thefirst gripping member 22 a extends farther into the bore of the body(not shown) to engage smaller diameter elongated items (not shown),while the second gripping member 22 b is capable of gripping largerdiameter elongated items.

However, associated gripping members 22 may be arranged in any desiredmanner and for any desired purpose. For example, in some applications,the first gripping member 22 a may be useful for sufficientlypenetrating an elongated item (not shown) having a thick insulation orouter layer. For another example, referring to FIG. 6, the independentlypivotable gripping members 22 a and 22 b are arranged side-by-side on acommon carrier 46, such as a pin 15. In this embodiment, the grippingmember 22 a is capable of gripping smaller elongated items (not shown),while the gripping member 22 b is capable of gripping larger elongateditems (not shown).

In another independent aspect of the present invention, the grippingmembers 22 may be retained or positioned in the body 18 in any desiredmanner. For example, the gripping member 22 of FIG. 7 is shownspring-biased off the wall 21 of the body 18. In this embodiment, abiasing member 52, such as a torsion spring 54, is disposed over thecarrier 46 and provides spring force upon the back 58 of the grippingmember 22. Any desired spring force may be provided on the grippingmember 22 for any desired purpose. For example, the spring force may besufficient to maintain the position of the gripper(s) 26 of the grippingmember 22 in the bore 20 slightly off the wall 21 of the body 18 tofacilitate engagement of the gripping member 22 with the elongated item23.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in yet another independent aspect of thepresent invention, the gripping device 10 may include a centering device60 capable of assisting in centering the elongated item 23 in the bore20. The centering device 60 may take any suitable form andconfiguration. In the embodiment shown, the centering device 60 includesa series of centering sleeves 64 formed, or disposed, within the bore20. For example, the centering sleeve 64 may be press fit into positionin the bore 20. Each illustrated centering sleeve 64 extends around theinner circumference of the bore 20 between adjacent rows, or circularbands, 50 of gripping members 22 and assists in generally centering theelongated item 23 in the bore 20. If desired, the centering sleeve(s) 64may have a particular thickness, such as to prevent the gripping members22 from penetrating the elongated item 23 more than desired.

In use of this embodiment, the gripping members 22 are capable ofcutting through the outer layer(s) 38 and sufficiently engaging theinner core 42 of the properly centered elongated item 23 withoutundesirably damaging the inner core 42. For example, an elongated item23 having an inner core 42 that includes a bundle a of malleable copperwires may be deformed, dimpled or cut by the gripping members 22 tomechanically hookingly engage some of the wires without undesirablydamaging the inner core 42.

In another example, the centering device 60 may include multiple guidestuds or set screws (not shown) extending through the wall 21 of thebody 18 and into the bore 20 to assist in centering the elongated item.In yet another example, referring to FIG. 9, the centering device 60 mayinclude a series of guide rails 66 formed or disposed with the bore 20.The illustrated guide rails 66 extend axially in the bore 20 betweenaxially aligned gripping members 22 and assist in generally centeringthe elongated item 23. In this embodiment, the guide rails 66 areconnected to the body 18 by set screws 68. However, any connectionmechanism or formation technique may be used. If desired, the guiderails 66 may have a particular thickness, such as to prevent grippingmembers 22 from penetrating the elongated item 23 more than desired.

Now referring to FIG. 10, in another independent aspect of the presentinvention, multiple gripping devices 10 may be axially connectabletogether for any desired purpose, such as to provide increased grippingor pulling strength and/or movement flexibility through the path orspace within which the elongated item 23 is moved. Any suitablearrangement of components may be used for axially connecting any desirednumber of gripping devices 10. For example, multiple elongatedconnectors 19 may be used for connecting multiple gripping devices 10.In the embodiment shown, three connectors 19, such as flexible wirecables 28, are connected between upper and lower gripping devices 10 byweld 76, respectively. However, any components and techniques may beused for axially connecting multiple gripping devices 10. For example,the connectors 19 may be flexible mesh-like members (not shown)extending between upper and lower gripping devices 10. In someembodiments, the connectors 19 may be releasably engageable with one ormore of the gripping devices 10 that they connect. For another example,the connectors may extend from anchor holes (e.g. anchor holes 25 ofFIG. 2) formed in the wall 21 of the body 18 of one or multiple grippingdevices 10.

In an example operation of the embodiment of FIG. 10, the elongated item23 is inserted into the bore 20 of the lowermost gripping device 10 atthe first end 18 a of the body 18 thereof. In moving the elongated item23 into position, the elongated item 23 is passed through the lower bore20 and into the bore 20 of the upper gripping device 10 to the desiredposition therein. The elongated item 23 will generally cause anygripping members 23 in its path to pivot back or toward into theirrespective slots 17, allowing passage of the elongated item 23 thereby.After the elongated item 23 is positioned in the respective bores 20,movement of the elongated item 23 back in the direction of the first end18 a of the lower body 18, or movement of the gripping devices 10 in theopposite direction, will generally cause at least some of the grippingmembers 22 to grip the elongated item 23. Thereafter, as the connectedgripping devices 10 of this embodiment are pulled generally in thedirection of the upper end of the uppermost gripping device 10, theelongated item 18 is pulled along. During movement, the connectors 19extending between the gripping devices 10 are capable of bending orflexing to accommodate any encountered curves, turns or other non-linearpaths.

When it is desired to remove the elongated item 23 from the illustratedarrangement of gripping devices 10, the upper end (not shown) of thebore 20 of the uppermost gripping device 10 is cleared of anyobstruction, such as an attachment device (not shown). The elongateditem 23 is moved in the direction of that upper end (away from the firstend 18 a of the body 18 of the lowermost gripping device 10) to separateit from the gripping devices 10. If desired or necessary, the elongateditem 23 may be cut below the lowermost gripping device 10 and the cut(gripped) portion thereof moved out of the gripping devices 10.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 11, a universal joint 80 is engagedbetween multiple gripping devices 10. The universal joint 80 may haveany suitable form, configuration and construction. As shown in FIG. 12,the illustrated universal joint 80 is constructed of metal or plastic,and includes upper and lower arms 82, 84 hingably connected together bya central member 86, such as with hinge pins 88. The illustrated upperand lower arms 82, 84 are threadably engageable with the respectivegripping devices 10. In an example embodiment of a method of use of theuniversal joint 80, it may be used generally similarly as describedabove with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 13, in another independent aspect of the presentinvention, the gripping device 10 may include one or more grippingmembers 22 capable of projecting outwardly from the body 18 to grip atleast one elongated item 23 disposed at least partially over the body18. The gripping device 10 and gripping members 22 of these embodimentsmay take any suitable form, configuration and arrangement and may engagethe elongated item in any desired manner. For example, the grippingdevice 10 and gripping members 22 may be in any of the forms, or includeany of the features, described above or incorporated by reference aboveto the extent they may be used with gripping members 22 capable ofprojecting outwardly from the body 18 and engaging at least oneelongated item 23.

In the embodiment shown, the gripping members 22 are independentlypivotably mounted on pins (not shown) disposed in slots 17 formed in thebody 18. Each gripping member 22 is capable of allowing the one-waypassage of at least one elongated item 23 over the body 18 andthereafter projecting outwardly from the body 18 to engage an insideportion 90 of the elongated item 23. In this embodiment, each grippingmember 22 grips an inside portion 90 of the elongated item 23. Theinside portion 90 may be any part of the elongated item 23 and may takeany form and configuration. In the example shown, the elongated item 23is a corrugated tube 96 constructed of metal or plastic and the insideportion 90 is a channel 92. In another example, the inside portion 90may be a wall (not shown). The present invention is not limited by theform, configuration and construction of the inside portion 90 of theelongated item 23.

Still referring to the embodiment of FIG. 13, the illustrated grippingdevice 10 includes a bore 20, such as to allow access to the grippingmembers 22 and pins (not shown). In some embodiments, the grippingdevice 10 may be configured with reversible gripping members 22 capableof being movable between outwardly projecting positions to engage anelongated item 23 disposed over the body 18 and inwardly projectingpositions to engage an elongated item 23 inserted into the bore 20.Alternately, the gripping device 10 may include separate sets ofoppositely projectable gripping members 22. However, the presentembodiment does not require a bore 20 or the capability of inwardlyprojecting gripping members 22. If desired, multiple gripping devices 10with outwardly projecting gripping members 22 may be axially connected,similarly as described above with respect to FIGS. 10-12.

In an example operation of the embodiment of FIG. 13, the grippingmembers 22 allow placement of the elongated item 23 over the body 18from the first end 18 a of the body 18 toward the second end 18 b of thebody 18. After the elongated item 23 is placed over at least part of thebody 18, movement of the elongated item 23 back in the direction of thefirst end 18 a of the body, or movement of the gripping device 10 in theopposite direction, will generally cause the illustrated grippingmembers 22 to grip an inside portion 90 of the elongated item 23.Thereafter, pulling the gripping device 10 from or in the direction ofits first end 11 will pull the elongated item 18 along the path, orthrough the desired space. To remove the elongated item 23 from theillustrated gripping device 10, the removable cap 16 is disconnectedfrom the body 18 and the elongated item 23, or a cut portion thereof, ismoved in the direction of the first end 11 of the gripping device 10until it fully separates from the gripping device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 14, in another independent aspect of the presentinvention, the gripping members 22 may be fixed or non-rotatable.Non-rotatable or fixed gripping members may have any desired form,configuration and orientation. In the embodiment shown, for example, thegripping members 22 are non-rotatable gripping members 98 integrallyformed as part of the body 18. The gripping members 98 have a fixedposition and angular orientation. For another example, referring to theembodiment of FIGS. 15-17, the illustrated non-rotating gripping member98 has a base portion 94 that is press fit, or otherwise engaged, in theslot 17. In still further examples, the non-rotatable gripping members98 may be welded to the body 18 or connectable in another suitablemanner.

The non-rotatable gripping member(s) 98 may have any desired arrangementof grippers 26 oriented at any desired angular orientation. In theembodiment of FIG. 14, for example, the gripping members 98 each have asingle gripper 26 extending into the bore 20 at an angle ofapproximately forty-five degrees (45°) relative to the central axis ofthe bore 20.

In still another aspect, the gripping device 10 may include one or morefixed or non-rotatable gripping members (not shown) projectableoutwardly from the body 18, such as to grip at least one elongated item23 disposed at least partially over the body 18. For example, thenon-rotatable gripping members 98 of FIG. 14 or 15 may be included inthe embodiment of FIG. 13.

In yet another aspect, some or all of the gripping members 22 may beremovable and replaceable. For example, there may be applications whereit is desirable to replace a non-rotatable gripping member (not shown)having one or more gripper of a particular size and angular orientationwith a gripping member having different dimensions. In still a furtheraspect, a gripping device 10, such as the embodiment of FIG. 18, mayinclude some gripping members 22 that are moveable or rotatable, such asgripping members 29, and other gripping members 22 that are fixed ornon-rotatable, such as members 98.

Referring now to FIG. 18, in yet another independent aspect, the body 18of the gripping device 10 may take any desired form. For example, thebody 18 may be constructed of multiple components, such as in a “clamshell” or “split body” arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, thebody 18 is formed with first and second corresponding body portions 100.The wall 102 of each illustrated body portion 100 is alignable with thecorresponding wall 102 of the other body portion 100. When the bodyportions 100 of this example are aligned, the bore 20 is formedtherebetween.

The body portions 100 may be held together in any suitable manner andwith any desired holder. In the embodiment shown, each body portion 100has a set of female thread portions 106 alignable with those of theother body portion 100 when the body portions 100 are aligned. Thealigned female thread portions 106 are matable with a set of malethreads 110 disposed inside the cap 16 to secure the body portions 100together. In other exemplary embodiments, the cap (not shown) mayinstead be spring-biased into and out of engagement with the bodyportions 100, such as in the form of a quick release coupling. Insteador in addition, each body portion 100 may include one or more grooveportion 112 disposed in the outer surface of the wall 102. In theexample shown, a single groove portion 112 is located proximate to theend 100 b of each body portion 100. However, multiple groove portionsmay be located at different locations on the wall 102. When the bodyportions 100 are aligned, the corresponding groove portions 112 alignand are capable of seating an anchor member (not shown), such as a highstrength elastomeric ring or cable. Thus, the body portions 100 may haveany suitable form, configuration and quantity and be used with anydesired holder.

In an example operation of the embodiment of FIG. 18, the body portions100 of the gripping device 10 are aligned and the cap 16 threaded overthe end 100 b. If desired, as a secondary connection, an elastomericring may be slit onto the body 18 and into the aligned groove portions112. An end of the elongated item (not shown) is inserted into the bore20. At least some of the gripping members 22 are engaged with theelongated item. As the gripping device 10 is pulled in the direction ofthe cap 16, the elongated item is pulled along. When it is desired toremove the elongated item from the gripping device 10, the cap 16 isunscrewed from the body portions 100. The body portions 100 aredisengageable from the elongated item without having to push theelongated item through the bore 20. If the elongated item is cut, thecut (gripped) portion, or stub, will be separable from the grippingdevice 10 without having to push it out through the bore 20.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention thus offer advantagesover the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of theobjects of the invention. However, the present invention does notrequire each of the components and acts described above and is in no waylimited to the above-described embodiments or methods of operation. Anyone or more of the above components, features and processes may beemployed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other suchcomponents, features and processes. Moreover, the present inventionincludes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses andapplications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are,or will become, apparent from the description herein and the appendeddrawings and claims.

The methods described above and claimed herein and any other methodswhich may fall within the scope of the appended claims can be performedin any desired suitable order and are not necessarily limited to thesequence described herein or as may be listed in the appended claims.Further, the methods of the present invention do not necessarily requireuse of the particular embodiments shown and described in the presentapplication, but are equally applicable with any other suitablestructure, form and configuration of components.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, many variations, modifications and/or changes of theapparatus and methods of the present invention, such as in thecomponents, details of construction and operation, arrangement of partsand/or methods of use, are possible, contemplated by the patentee,within the scope of the appended claims, and may be made and used by oneof ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit orteachings of the invention and scope of appended claims. Thus, allmatter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should beinterpreted as illustrative and the scope of the invention and theappended claims should not be limited to the embodiments described andshown herein.

1. An apparatus for releasably gripping at least one elongated item andbeing used in pulling the elongated item through at least one space, theapparatus comprising: a body having a bore therethrough and beingcapable of being pulled through the at least one space, wherein theelongated item is at least partially insertable into said bore; and aplurality of gripping members associated with said body, each saidgripping member being pivotable and capable of projecting generallyinwardly into said bore, wherein at least one said gripping memberincludes at least two grippers, each said gripper being capable of atleast one among gripping and guiding the elongated item.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein each said gripping member is independentlymoveable relative to said body and said other gripping members.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein each said gripper of said at least onegripping member differs from said other at least one gripper of saidgripping member in at least one among length and angular orientation,further wherein a first said gripper of said gripping member is capableof guiding the elongated item in said bore to assist in centering theelongated item in said bore and a second said gripper of said grippingmember is capable of gripping the elongated item.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein a first said gripper of said gripping member is capableof gripping small diameter elongated items in said bore and a secondsaid gripper of said gripping member is capable of gripping largerdiameter elongated items in said bore.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2wherein each said gripper of said gripping member is configured toextend into said bore a different distance as compared to said other atleast one gripper of said gripping member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1wherein each said gripping members of said plurality of gripping membersincludes multiple grippers.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidgripping members are teeth pivotably mounted to said body, each saidtooth includes first and second said grippers, said grippers being sharptips capable of penetrating the elongated item.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further including a centering device capable of assisting incentering the elongated item in said bore.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8wherein said centering device includes at least one among at least onecentering sleeve and at least one axially-extending rail disposed withinsaid bore.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least some saidgripper members are capable of gripping the elongated item at a non-endportion of the elongated item.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein atleast one pair of said plurality of gripping members is disposed upon acommon carrier mounted in said body.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1wherein at least one said gripping member includes an angled faceassociated with at least one said gripper of said gripping member, saidangled face capable of decreasing the angular orientation of saidgripper relative to at least one other said gripper of said grippingmember.
 13. An apparatus for releasably gripping at least one elongateditem and being used in pulling the elongated item through at least onespace, the apparatus comprising: a body having a bore therethrough andbeing capable of being pulled through the at least one space, whereinthe elongated item is at least partially insertable into said bore; anda plurality of gripping members pivotably mounted to said body, eachsaid gripping member being capable of projecting generally inwardly intosaid bore and engaging at least one elongated item, wherein saidgripping members are disposed upon carriers mounted to said body,further wherein at least one pair of said gripping members is disposedupon a common said carrier and each said gripping member among each saidpair of gripping members is independently moveable relative to the othersaid gripping member of said pair.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 whereinsaid carriers are pins.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein all ofsaid gripping members of said plurality of gripping members are arrangedin pairs disposed upon common said pins, respectively.
 16. The apparatusof claim 13 wherein said at least one pair of gripping members includesfirst and second gripping members, said first gripping member beingdisposed at least partially around said second gripping member on saidcommon carrier and capable of extending farther into said bore than saidsecond gripping member.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said atleast one pair of gripping members includes first and second grippingmembers, said first gripping member being disposed adjacent to saidsecond gripping member on said common carrier and capable of extendingfarther into said bore than said second gripping member.
 18. Anapparatus for releasably gripping at least one elongated item and beingused in pulling the elongated item through at least one space, theapparatus comprising: a body having a bore therethrough and beingcapable of being pulled through the at least one space, wherein theelongated item is at least partially insertable into said bore; aplurality of gripping members pivotably mounted to said body, each saidgripping member being capable of projecting generally inwardly into saidbore and engaging the elongated item; and a plurality of biasing membersassociated with at least one said gripping member, said plurality ofbiasing members being capable of providing biasing force upon said atleast one gripping member to at least partially restrict pivoting ofsaid at least one gripping member in one direction.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 18 wherein said at least one biasing member is capable of biasingsaid associated gripping member into said bore to facilitate engagementof said gripping member with an elongated item in said bore.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein each said gripping member is associatedwith a said biasing member, each said associated gripping member andbiasing member being disposed upon a common carrier disposed within saidbody.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein at least some of saidgripping members each include at least two grippers.
 22. The apparatusof claim 19 further including a centering device capable of assisting incentering the elongated item in said bore.
 23. An apparatus forreleasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item through at least one space, the apparatuscomprising: a body having a bore therethrough and being capable of beingpulled through the at least one space, wherein the elongated item is atleast partially insertable into said bore; a plurality of grippingmembers associated with said body, each said gripping member beingmoveable into said bore and capable of engaging at least one elongateditem disposed in said bore; and at least one centering device disposedat least partially within said bore and capable of assisting incentering the elongated item in said bore.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23wherein said centering device includes at least one centering sleevedisposed within said bore.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein saidgripping members are independently pivotably moveable relative to saidbody, further wherein at least one of said gripping members includesmultiple grippers, each said gripper being capable of at least one amongguiding and gripping an elongated item.
 26. The apparatus of claim 23wherein said body has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a wall,further wherein said centering device includes at least two studsextending through said wall of said body into said bore.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 23 wherein said body has a generally cylindricalshape and includes a wall, further wherein said centering deviceincludes at least two screws extending through said wall of said bodyinto said bore.
 28. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said centeringdevice include at least two axially-extending rails disposed within saidbore.
 29. An apparatus for releasably gripping at least one elongateditem and being used in pulling the elongated item through at least onespace, the apparatus comprising: a body being capable of being pulledthrough the at least one space, said body having first and secondnon-adjacent opposite ends and a bore extending through said body fromsaid first end to said second end, wherein the elongated item isinsertable into and through said bore; a plurality of gripping membersassociated with said body, each said gripping member being capable ofprojecting generally inwardly into said bore and engaging at least oneelongated item; and at least one attachment device engageable with saidbody and being useful to facilitate pulling said body, said attachmentdevice allowing clearance at the openings of said bore2, whereby saidopenings of said bore are unobstructed by said attachment device so thatthe apparatus is capable of gripping a non-end portion of the elongateditem.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said attachment deviceincludes at least one among at least one cable and at least onemesh-like member.
 31. An apparatus for releasably gripping at least oneelongated item and being used in pulling the elongated item through atleast one space, the apparatus comprising: a body; and a plurality ofgripping members associated with said body, wherein said grippingmembers are moveable from said body to outside said body and are capableof projecting generally outwardly from said body to engage at least oneelongated item disposed at least partially over said body.
 32. Theapparatus of claim 31 wherein each said gripping member is capable ofgripping an inside portion of the elongated item.
 33. The apparatus ofclaim 32 wherein the elongated item is a corrugated tube.
 34. Theapparatus of claim 32 wherein at least one said gripping member ismovable relative to said body.
 35. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein atleast one said gripping member is non-movable relative to said body. 36.The apparatus of claim 31 wherein at least one said gripping memberincludes multiple grippers, each said gripper being capable of at leastone among guiding and gripping an elongated item.
 37. An apparatus forreleasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used inpulling the elongated item in at least one path, the apparatuscomprising: at least two gripping devices, each said gripping deviceincluding a body having an upper end, a lower end, a bore extendingtherebetween and a plurality of gripping members associated with saidbody and capable of engaging an elongated item disposed within said borethereof, wherein said upper end of said body of a first said grippingdevice is axially alignable with said lower end of said body of a secondsaid gripping device to axially align said respective bores; and atleast one connector engageable between at least two axially aligned saidgripping devices, whereby said at least two connected gripping devicesare capable of engaging the same elongated item.
 38. The apparatus ofclaim 37 wherein said connector is capable of providing a bend betweensaid at least two connected gripping devices.
 39. The apparatus of claim38 wherein said connector includes at least two flexible cables.
 40. Theapparatus of claim 38 wherein said connector includes a universal joint.41. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said connector is releasable fromat least one among said at least two gripping devices.
 42. The apparatusof claim 38 wherein each said gripping member is capable of protrudingoutwardly from its respective associated said body and gripping an innerportion of the elongated item.
 43. The apparatus of claim 37 whereineach said body includes a bore therethrough, wherein the elongated itemis at least partially insertable into said bore of each said body,further wherein said gripping members are independently piovotablymovable in said body and capable of projecting generally inwardly intosaid bore.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein at least one of saidgripping members includes multiple grippers, each said gripper beingcapable of at least one among guiding and gripping an elongated item insaid bore.
 45. A method of releasably gripping an elongated item with agripping device, the gripping device and elongated item to be pulledthrough at least one path, the gripping device including a body and aplurality of gripping members moveable from the body to outside the bodyand capable of projecting outwardly from the body, the methodcomprising: starting at the lower end of the body of the grippingdevice, sliding an end of the elongated item over the body; after theelongated item is in the desired position relative to the grippingdevice, moving at least one among the elongated item, relative to thebody, in the direction of the upper end of the body, and the body,relative to the elongated item, in the direction of the lower end of thebody, causing at least two of the gripping members to grip the elongateditem; and pulling the gripping device in a manner in which movement ofthe upper end of the body generally precedes movement of the lower endof the body, whereby the elongated item is pulled along with the body.46. A method of releasably gripping an elongated item with at least twogripping devices, the gripping devices and elongated item to be pulledthrough at least one path, the method comprising: with at least oneconnector, connecting the at least two gripping devices together alignedaxially, whereby the upper end of the first gripping device is locatedproximate to and generally aligned with the lower end of the secondgripping device; inserting an end of the elongated item into a bore ofthe first gripping device at the lower end of the first gripping device;passing the end of the elongated item through the bore of the firstgripping device and into an aligned bore of the second gripping deviceat the lower end thereof; and gripping the elongated item with grippersassociated with at least one among the at least two gripping devices.47. The method of claim 46 further including the at least one connectorchanging its orientation to provide at least one bend between the firstand second gripping devices, whereby the gripping devices and elongateditem may be moved through a non-linear path.
 48. The method of claim 46further including the at least one connector moving between linear andnon-linear positions to allow the gripping devices and elongated item tobe moved through a path that includes at least one non-linear portion.49. The method of claim 48 further including pulling at least one of thegripping devices through the at least one path, and after reaching adesired destination, moving the elongated item through the bores of thefirst and second gripping devices to disengage the elongated item fromthe gripping devices.
 50. The method of claim 49 further includingcutting the elongated item below the lower end of the first grippingdevice and discharging the cut portion of the elongated item from the atleast two gripping devices.
 51. The method of claim 50 further includingreleasably threadably engaging at least one connector with at least oneamong the first and second gripping devices.
 52. The method of claim 46wherein a force is applied to cause gripping members of each grippingdevice to grip the elongated item.
 53. A method of releasably grippingan elongated item with at least two gripping devices, the grippingdevices and elongated item to be pulled through at least one path, themethod comprising: with at least one connector, connecting the at leasttwo gripping devices together aligned axially, whereby the upper end ofthe first gripping device is located proximate to and generally alignedwith the lower end of the second gripping device; inserting an end ofthe elongated item over the first gripping device at the lower end ofthe first gripping device; passing the end of the elongated item overthe first gripping device; passing the end of the elongated item atleast partially over the second gripping device starting at the lowerend thereof; and gripping the elongated item with grippers projectingoutwardly from the at least two gripping devices.
 54. An apparatuscapable of releasably engaging at least one elongated item so that theat least one elongated item may be pulled through at least one space,the apparatus comprising: a body having first and second opposite endsand a bore extending through said body from said first end to saidsecond end, the at least one elongated item being insertable into saidbore from said first end of said body and removable from said borethrough said second end of said body; and a plurality of grippingmembers associated with said body, moveable into said bore and capableof at least one among gripping and guiding the elongated item disposedwithin said bore, said plurality of gripping members allowing movementof the at least one elongated item into said bore from said first end ofsaid body, through said bore and out said bore at said second end ofsaid body.
 55. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein said plurality ofgripping members are non-movable relative to said body.
 56. Theapparatus of claim 55 wherein said plurality of gripping members areintegrally formed into said body.
 57. The apparatus of claim 55 whereinsaid plurality of gripping members are press fit into said body.
 58. Theapparatus of claim 54 wherein said plurality of gripping membersincludes at least one gripping member that is pivotably movable relativeto said body and at least one gripping member that is non-movablerelative to said body.
 59. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein at leastone said gripping member includes at least two grippers, each saidgripper being capable of at least one among gripping and guiding theelongated item.
 60. The apparatus of claim 54 further including acentering device capable of assisting in centering the elongated item insaid bore.
 61. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein at least some saidgripper members are capable of gripping the elongated item at a non-endportion of the elongated item.
 62. An apparatus for releasably grippingat least one elongated item and being used in pulling the elongated itemthrough at least one space, the apparatus comprising: at least first andsecond body portions releasably alignable longitudinally to form a body,said body having a bore and being capable of being pulled through the atleast one space, wherein the elongated item is at least partiallyinsertable into said bore; and a plurality of gripping membersassociated with each said body portion, at least some of said grippingmember being capable of gripping the elongated item disposed within saidbore.
 63. The apparatus of claim 62 further including a cap engageablewith said at least first and second body portions and capable ofreleasably holding said body portions in aligned relationship.
 64. Theapparatus of claim 62 further including at least one groove portionformed in each of said at least first and second body portions andcapable of seating at least one ring-like member when said at leastfirst and second body portions are aligned.
 65. The apparatus of claim62 wherein said plurality of gripping members are non-movable relativeto said body.
 66. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein said plurality ofgripping members includes at least one gripping member that is pivotablymovable relative to said body.
 67. The apparatus of claim 66 wherein atleast one said gripping member includes at least two grippers, each saidgripper being capable of at least one among gripping and guiding theelongated item.
 68. The apparatus of claim 62 further including acentering device capable of assisting in centering the elongated item insaid bore.
 69. An apparatus for releasably gripping at least oneelongated item and being used in pulling the elongated item through atleast one space, the apparatus comprising: at least first and secondbody portions, said at least first and second body portions beingalignable together longitudinally to form a bore extending at leastpartially therebetween, wherein the elongated item is at least partiallyinsertable into said bore, said at least first and second body portionsbeing capable of being pulled through the at least one space; and aplurality of gripping members projecting inwardly into said bore from atleast one among said at least first and second body portions, each saidgripping member being capable of at least one among gripping and guidingthe elongated item disposed at least partially within said bore.
 70. Theapparatus of claim 69 further including a releasable holder engageablewith said at least first and second body portions.
 71. A method ofreleasably gripping an elongated item with at least one gripping device,the gripping device and elongated item capable of being pulled throughat least one path, the method comprising: aligning at least first andsecond body portions together longitudinally to form a body; engaging atleast one holder with the at least first and second body portions;engaging the elongated item with the gripping device; pulling thegripping device and engaged elongated item through the at least onepath; disengaging the at least one holder from the at least first andsecond body portions; and disengaging the at least first and second bodyportions from the elongated item.
 72. The method of claim 71 furtherincluding inserting an end of the elongated item into a bore disposed inthe body.
 73. The method of claim 72 further including the at leastfirst and second body portions forming the bore.
 74. The method of claim72 further including allowing a plurality of gripping members protrudinginto the bore to engage the elongated item.
 75. The method of claim 74further including disengaging the at least first and second bodyportions from the elongated item without having to push the elongateditem through the bore.
 76. The method of claim 74 further includingthreadably engaging and disengaging the at least one holder with the atleast first and second body portion.